Treadmill or elliptical: which to choose?
Inbloom Media OÜ · Published 30.10.2026 · Updated 31.10.2026
A treadmill suits you if you want to run or walk in a natural rhythm and burn more calories. An elliptical suits you if you want gentler, quiet full-body training that is easier on the joints. You can try either for a month in Tallinn and Harjumaa, with no deposit.
Elliptical (elliptical trainer)
On an elliptical your feet move along an elliptical path while your arms move the handles back and forth. The workout is smooth and the impact on your joints is lower than when running. It works legs, glutes, back and arms. The Kettler Cross M runs on batteries, so no plug or extension cord is needed. Roughly 350-500 kcal per hour (70 kg person, moderate intensity).
An elliptical suits you if:
- running strains your knees or ankles;
- you want a quiet machine in an apartment;
- you want to train arms and legs at the same time;
- you simply do not like running.
Treadmill
A treadmill imitates walking and running and lets you adjust the speed. Walking is gentle on the joints; running gives a higher load and calorie burn. The Kettler Sprinter 3 is foldable, speed up to 12 km/h, and needs a mains socket. Roughly 250-350 kcal per hour when walking and 500-700 kcal per hour when running (70 kg).
A treadmill suits you if:
- you want to train for running;
- you want fast calorie burn;
- you prefer natural movement;
- you have space and a socket.
Summary
| Treadmill | Elliptical | |
|---|---|---|
| Load on joints | higher when running, low when walking | low |
| Noise | motor sound | quiet |
| Power | mains | batteries |
| Calories per hour (70 kg) | 250-350 walking, 500-700 running | 350-500 |
| Space | foldable | medium |
Consider your health when choosing and talk to a doctor if needed. Training has to be regular to bring results. If you cannot decide, try both: rent one first (no deposit) and switch if needed.
See machines available to rent: treadmill | elliptical